Tabellae militaris, Anno 108 AD
I, Medokos Sitalcian Amadokos, serving as a librarius—military record keeper, charged with inscribing these events in the annals of our service to Rome make my battle report.
Ever since news regarding the Golden Gate spread in Dacia, the province has been thrown into disarray. Rebels and resistance fighters arising within and beyond the border region surged into our controlled areas to sow chaos. They say it is the land of their ancestral gods, a claim reinforced by news of large succulent fruits, never-before-seen animals, and the discovery of valuable artifacts gotten from ruins beyond the gate.
The news instilled in our enemies a frenzied zeal, one which Rome shall stamp to the ground. It is the reason we were dispatched here, after all.
By order of Provincial Governor Gaius Avidius Nigrinus, our cohort was detached to pursue a rebel force said to have intercepted some important messages. We pursued them into a garrison fort they had seized and besieged them. It was discovered that the force was led by the notorious Chieftain Térés, a rebel with whom we had previously clashed while safeguarding our legion's flank—there was blood to be avenged here.
Under the command of Lord Praefect Alexios Arenius Kyriakos, our assault was initiated with bold determination. Our attack advanced steadily until calamity struck; our First centurion, Vitalis Vibius Cornivius, was felled by an enemy arrow dropping off the wall.
In a most uncanny twist, his fallen form exhibited signs of possession—his eyes turned black and bled, and his body writhed with a frenzied strength while he raved incoherently about the Golden Gate, warning to stay away or die. In the ensuing upheaval, we were forced to dispatch this daemonic manifestation, bearing heavy losses with 22 milites sacrificed in the chaos. Due to this loss, a retreat was ordered. That evening, Centurio Vibius and our compatriots were given proper burial rites; among whom the Prefect's personal slave was interred—a youth purported to have succumbed to a fever.
Yet the night brought further marvels: the corpse of the Prefect's slave reanimated under darkness. It claimed divine origin, declaring itself the errant son of Mars: A startling claim.
Acting with field authority, our Lord Praefect conditionally emancipated the daemon slave in exchange for his service in the forthcoming engagement, so that it may prove its divinity.
On the following day, the daemon slave, equipped with nothing more than a dagger, mercenary leather armour, a spear, and a small round shield, seized Lord Praefect's helm and dagger and launched a charge against the enemy walls. In an act of singular audacity, he ran with a euphoric vigor—akin to a jubilant cripple healed by a miracle, plunging headlong into combat.
By the end, he single-handedly slew the rebel leader Térés, who had transformed into a daemon with the familiar, fear-inducing blackened eyes. And though grievously wounded, the daemon slave stood defiant until the weight of his injuries rendered him unconscious.
Thus are these events recorded for the eternal glory of the Roman Empire, that our cohort's deeds and the celestial portents witnessed on this field may forever be remembered.
Medokos Sitalcian Amadokos, Librarius Militum.
Cohors I Tigris Fidelis Milliaria Equitata (Attached: Legio XIV Gemina Martia Victrix)
20th Augustus, 108 AD
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Hours later...
The keep's hall was wide and narrow with smooth brown walls and a coarse stone floor. The faint, refreshing scent of the flowing river outside did little to alleviate the dryness gripping at the throats of the soldiers standing guard by the walls.
At the center of this hall stood Alexios alongside his officers, waiting patiently as they watched the large entrance with a tingling but tense sense of anticipation.
Soon, a silhouette appeared, and then more.
They broke through the blinding daylight, revealing soldiers of the highest caliber.
*Clank!* *Clink!*
Segmented plate armor and hob-nailed sandals clanged as heavy-set legionaries in intimidating blood red tunics marched into the hall.
Soon, broad shoulders and sweaty bulging biceps became commonplace, and the hall became charged with the thick cloying scent of testosterone.
The contingent came to an abrupt stop before Alexios and his officers, and a stare-down began.
Alexios stared solemnly at the man leading the contingent. Like him, he had advanced in age with wrinkle lines on his face and a few strands of white on his short, dark hair.
His body was in top shape with bulging and well-chiseled muscles, and the only apparent difference between them was in their countenance, while one revealed little but showed intelligence in his eyes, the other had a soft knowing smile and a serpentine light in his.
After a moment, Alexios banged a fist against his chestplate and declared loudly.
"Hail, Most Noble, Gaius Avidius Nigrinus!"
"Hail!" His soldiers echoed in unison.
Gauis nodded lightly as an imperceptible acknowledging smile formed. He then turned slightly and ordered in his deep, silky voice.
"Leave us."
Without question, his contingent turned and walked back, but not before dropping two large chests next to Gauis.
Seeing this, Alexios turned toward his officers and they picked up on his cue.
Suddenly, they all turned and left as well, taking the guards with them.
Now the hall was empty save for Gauis, Alexios, and two conspicuously large wooden chests.
A cool silence descended as they stood now utterly alone. With fewer people, the wind seemed to flow more freely through the arched windows, and the atmosphere eased.
They both turned and looked at each other. Then at once, they smiled and clasped each other by the arms, pulling close in a physical show of camaraderie.
"Veteran comrade! Time has marked you, brother!" Gaius exclaimed with a big smile.
"Ha!" Alexios laughed, taunting. "I reckon I could still best you like I did in our youth! Only this time, our tutor won't be there to rescue you."
Gauis laughed loudly at that, and then he looked down, eyes clouded, reminiscing about the past with a faint smile.
"Ah, yes. Our tutor. He was a great legionary. Retired, but still great..."
That said, he looked away, glistening eyes taking in the hall and his smile widened.
"You took it! I expected no less from you!" He praised, looking utterly impressed. But then his expression turned a tad regretful.
"I apologize for this, Arenius. I know sieges are not your specialty but you were the closest person at hand whom I could trust."
Alexios nodded in understanding and took out the scroll before handing it to him.
Gaius took it and quickly skimmed through the contents, nodding.
"This was meant for your Legate, but it's ruined now. No matter, I will write another."
He kept it away and turned to Alexios with a solemn gaze.
"I have a new mission for you, Arenius."
Immediately, Alexios' expression became grim.